eNotification: Weston Prepares for Tropical Storm Isaias

City of Weston | Preparing for Tropical Storm Isaias July 30, 2020 | 5:45 p.m.

Water Levels Being Lowered Weston's Stormwater Management System of Lakes and Canals Now is a Good Time to Review Communication Plan and Supplies ______________________________________________________________ WATER LEVELS In advance of Tropical Storm Isaias, the water managers at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that operate the regional canal system, are lowering levels of their canals. This will allow the local drainage districts, such as the City of Weston to better discharge any excess stormwater runoff from our water bodies to the SFWMD regional canals. Likewise, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaias, standard pre-storm pro-active preparations by the City’s Public Works Department include: Lowering lakes levels within the permitted regulation to create capacity for expected heavy rainfall; Inspecting key parts of the stormwater conveyance system; Ensuring adequate fuel supplies for pump stations and other equipment Readying staff and equipment for storm assignments; and Coordinating with SFWMD on conference calls about District pumping of the primary canals. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM With heavy rains anticipated through the weekend, we would like to reassure residents and business owners that the City of Weston maintains a comprehensive Stormwater Management System of lakes and canals which are essential in flood control. Please take a moment to view the video above to understand how your Public Works professionals keep water flowing to ensure your home and business stays dry.

You Can Help Prevent Flooding

Did you know that in very heavy rains, some water standing in streets or swales, is part of the flood control design plan and is expected? Your neighborhood lake's water level may seem to rise alarmingly, but that's not likely to last. If the system in your neighborhood is working properly, levels will return to normal soon after the rain has stopped. A heavier, more widespread and longer-lasting storm will require more time for local, secondary and regional systems to absorb the excess water. Because these flood control systems are connected, what's happening upstream or downstream from your neighborhood also has an impact. You can help these systems work efficiently. Here are some easy things you can do: Check swales in your neighborhood to ensure they are free of debris; Secure objects that can easily blow away; Do not trim trees or create yard debris until after this storm; Ensure the drainage grates are clear of any debris. Grass clippings and fallen leaves can quickly slow drainage in your neighborhood and will need to be raked aside/removed to allow the water to drain.

Flooding within Community Association Maintained Properties: Roadways (and their drainage systems) within private communities are owned and maintained by the community’s maintenance association, not the City of Weston. Response to, and mitigation of, flooding that occurs within these private communities is the responsibility of the community’s management company or Homeowner's Association. For more information click here.

PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION. The time to prepare is BEFORE a storm is on the horizon. Are YOU #WestonReady? We can help. Click Here for Preparedness Information.

City of Weston staff continue to work remotely to serve our community. You can reach us by phone at:  City Hall 954-385-2000 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Administrative Services Center 954-385-0500 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Community Center 954-389-4321 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Public Works Services Center 954-385-2600 Monday through Friday, 7 am until 4 p.m. Follow us on Twitter at @CityofWeston and @WestonFLAlert, on Facebook @CityofWestonFL. Register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications from the City of Weston at www.westonfl.org/Residents/Hurricane/CodeRed.aspx.